May 5, 2010
Why Do Sons of Elders Become Elders Too?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how elders and other Christian leaders shape the next generation through example, maturity, service, and unconditional love.
Eldership
Eldership offers biblically grounded resources for elders and churches seeking faithful, healthy spiritual oversight. Explore articles on the qualifications and responsibilities of elders, shepherding and pastoral care, governance and decision-making, accountability, and leading with humility and courage. You’ll also find guidance for elder selection and training, teamwork among elders and staff, handling conflict, and caring for the congregation through change. Whether you serve as an elder, are preparing to become one, or want to strengthen your church’s leadership structure, these resources aim to support wise, Christ-centered shepherding.
May 5, 2010
Interview with Bill and Mike Buher
Bill Buher and his son Mike reflect on serving as elders in different churches, passing faith across generations, and holding to biblical fundamentals while methods change.
Building Bonds Between Elders and Ministers (Part 2)
By Bob Russell In 1965, Butch Dabney served as chairman of the pulpit committee for the newly established Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. A few months before I was asked to preach a trial sermon, Butch approached the president of Cincinnati Bible Seminary and asked for the names of young preachers who had the potential to grow with the church. Butch said, “We want to hire a young man and we”re going to make him successful.” That phrase describes the attitude elders should have toward their preacher: one of their primary functions is to help make the preacher successful.
March 24, 2010
Interview with Jerry Harris and Rodney Roberts
Jerry Harris and Rodney Roberts discuss how The Crossing’s pastor and elders pursue unity, shared vision, prayer, and trust while leading a fast-growing multisite church.
October 25, 2009
We Lead by Serving: A Band of Servants
Darryl Bolen reflects on 36 years of serving with elders, showing how encouragement, prayer, shared purpose, and team leadership strengthen both ministers and the church.
October 25, 2009
We Lead by Serving: Called to Be Shepherds, Not Cowboys
Ronald G. Cook contrasts cowboy-style leadership with the shepherding call of elders, showing how Jesus modeled servant leadership through mercy, trust, accountability, and restored purpose.
February 8, 2009
How Our Church Uses Elder Governance
Gary L. Johnson describes how Elder Governance helped The Creek create a healthier church structure by focusing elders on policy, pastoral care, doctrine, and prayer.
February 8, 2009
Why I No Longer Dread Elder Meetings
Randy Nation explains how Policy Governance helped Woodford Community Christian Church clarify elder responsibilities, empower staff leadership, and refocus the eldership on shepherding the congregation.
December 23, 2008
A Picture of the Elders in Our Churches, Part Two
Readers responding to Christian Standard’s Year of the Elder survey highlighted ongoing needs for elders, including conflict management, stronger shepherding, and more intentional training.
December 21, 2008
Wanted: Good Men for a Fine Work (Part 2)
Eric Stevens examines the public and congregational qualities of elders, showing how mature leaders demonstrate integrity, hospitality, teaching ability, and faithful stewardship in the church.
December 14, 2008
Wanted: Good Men for a Fine Work (Part 1)
Eric Stevens explains why eldership is a “fine work” and why Paul’s qualifications describe spiritually mature leaders whose character is evident in personal and family life.
December 10, 2008
A Picture of the Elders in Our Churches, Part One: posted 12/10/2008
Mark A. Taylor reports results from Christian Standard’s Elders Survey, highlighting how churches select elders, how often elders meet, and the continuing need for shepherding support.
November 16, 2008
Elders & Ministers: Speaking the Same Language
Healthy elder-minister relationships help churches lead with trust, humility, shared vision, and spiritual focus. Darrel Rowland highlights growing churches where leaders work together well.
November 16, 2008
Should the Minister Be One of the Elders?
Darrel Rowland explores whether ministers should serve as elders, highlighting church leaders who value trust, accountability, biblical eldership, and healthy elder-minister relationships.
November 16, 2008
Two Elders Now Ministers Talk About Elder-Minister Relationships
Ernie Graf and Jim Sloderbeck reflect on elder-minister relationships from both sides of church leadership, emphasizing mutual respect, trust, communication, and unity.
November 16, 2008
What Elders Don’t Understand About Ministers
Church leaders reflect on what elders may not understand about ministers, including workload pressures, family strain, leadership empowerment, and the high personal stakes of ministry.
November 16, 2008
What Ministers Don’t Understand About Elders
Elders share what ministers may misunderstand about their role, outside pressures, meeting participation, and desire for honest partnership in church leadership.
November 2, 2008
A New Leadership Model as Old as the New Testament
Scott Cromer shares how New Life Church of Christ shifted from board-style leadership to a shepherding model focused on relationships, delegation, empowered leaders, and shared life.
November 2, 2008
The Knife Wasn’t Even Sharp (A Parable for Elders)
Robert Kitchen encourages elders to focus on shepherding, mentoring, and teaching while equipping volunteers with clear expectations, useful tools, and meaningful opportunities for service.
October 22, 2008
Could We Have Been Better Prepared?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Hurricane Ike’s power outage and urges elders to prepare for church crises with accountability, character, prayer, and wise shepherding.
